Frozen 2 (Violin)

SKU: A3.9781860969294

ISBN 9781860969294. 9 x 12 inches.

Spectrum for String Quartet is a collection of specially commissioned pieces. Three composers of widely different backgrounds and experience have written works of about eight minutes duration for players of ABRSM Grade 8 Standard.

SKU: ST.Y285

ISBN 9790220223129.

1st perf: The Fidelio Trio (Darragh Morgan, violin, Robin Michael, cello, Mary Dullea, piano), The Forge, Camden Town, London, 20 February 2012

Goethe's dictum that architecture is frozen music has been a powerful stimulus for composers over the centuries, but in the case of Morgan Hayes the stark features of modern industrial buildings rather than the splendours of the Gothic or Baroque styles have been an impressive influence.

In the case of his most recent work, Volklinger Hutte, the great German steel foundry of that name, in operation for over a hundred years, was the trigger for a powerful yet succinct one-movement structure for piano trio. Situated in the town of Volklingen, this extraordinary monument to German engineering prowess is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Hayes discovered it by chance, through a reference in a Lonely Planet guide while he was visiting nearby Saarbruken for a performance of another of his compositions.

The austere beauty of the location has infused the music with sharp dynamic and timbral extremes which also suggest its awesome scale. Grinding, machine-like textures cheek by jowl with passages of reposeful silence also project the nostalgic atmosphere of the now silent plant contrasted with the bustle of its heyday, still echoing in the brutally functional geometrical forms of its corroding chimneys, cranes and blast furnaces.

SKU: HL.290091

ISBN 9788759841396. UPC: 888680922092.

The piece was commissioned by the Engegard Quartet in 2011. On the record String Quartets Vol IV: Schubert-Ratkje-Britten-H aydn. A later piece is made for string orchestra, Tale of Lead and Frozen Light (2014).

SKU: CF.FAS114F

ISBN 9781491154861. UPC: 680160913411. 9 x 12 inches. Key: B minor.

Siberian Hunt is an exciting and adventurous work for young string orchestra. In it, the listener is transported to the frozen Siberian landscape on a hunt for beasts from a forgotten age. The piece moves with fierce energy and relentless determination. Written in B minor, it features a call/response section in the middle, rich harmonies, and a range of dynamic contrasts for the students to master. The first violins will enjoy getting to play on the E-string (watch out for G-naturals). The instrument sections are grouped rhythmically to encourage confidence of playing and ease of learning across the ensemble. The parts are balanced so all players can feel like they are an important piece of the orchestra.

SKU: CF.FAS129

ISBN 9781491162620. UPC: 680160921379. Key: B minor.

Feel the frigid chill of winter winds and brittle ice! This original work for young orchestra offers a contemporary sound with approachable quarter and half note rhythms and basic stepwise motion. Featuring the cello and bass sections prominently, all notes fall within the range of the D major scale, with a brief metallic sound of violins open E string to depict the steely cold. Set in B minor, close (yet easy) intervals create interesting harmonies that hint at dissonance to represent the bitter cold of frozen ice.

SKU: CF.FAS129F

ISBN 9781491162965. UPC: 680160921713. Key: B minor.

Feel the frigid chill of winter winds and brittle ice! This original work for young orchestra offers a contemporary sound with approachable quarter and half note rhythms and basic stepwise motion. Featuring the cello and bass sections prominently, all notes fall within the range of the D major scale, with a brief metallic sound of violins open E string to depict the steely cold. Set in B minor, close (yet easy) intervals create interesting harmonies that hint at dissonance to represent the bitter cold of frozen ice.